The South Beach Low Carb Diet in Review
The principle behind the South Beach low carb diet simple based on reducing the bad carbohydrates and fats in foods with the good ones that are better for your heart health.
Dr. Agatston, a leading cardiologist and founder of the South Beach diet plan, noticed that patients were having trouble with the low fat diets that did not take the glycemic index into account.
The glycemic index measures the amount of sugar that is released into the bloodstream as the food is digested; if the sugars are released slower you will not be as hungry and eat less.
How the South Beach Carb Diet Works
The fats that cause problems are the saturated and trans-fats; they are replaced with foods rich in unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids. The fatty portions of poultry and red meat are replaced with nuts, oily fish and lean meats.
The South Beach Diet has three phases; the first is the hardest to keep; for the first two weeks of the diet, all sugars, processed carbohydrates, fruits and certain vegetables are not allowed. The purpose is to eliminate the hunger cycle and lose weight.
The second phase of the South Beach Diet allows fruits and vegetables and a few whole grains back into the diet; weight loss is continued as the body adjusts. The third and final phase is maintaining the diet with the dieter using the principles to adjust as necessary for their lifestyle.
Does the South Beach Diet Really Work?
Scientific studies show that over time, this diet does work. It may be difficult at first to stay with it due to the radical change in diet when the processed foods and sugars we are used to eating are eliminated from the our diet.
As with any diet, it is a good idea to consult your physician before starting a diet. If you have health issues, take those into consideration. Water consumption is very important in any type of diet and so is exercise.
Approach the South Beach diet with common sense and do not get discouraged easily, this could help you change your lifestyle and health if you persevere even though it is not an easy diet.
